Co-Parenting with Confidence

Mikki Gardner Coaching

Co-Parenting with Confidence is the podcast for courageous moms who want to move past the conflict and frustration of divorce so they can become a confident co-parent and an amazing example to their children. Join Mikki Gardner, Certified Life and Conscious Parenting Coach (as well as mom of 1 son and 2 bonus sons), as she shares actionable steps and proven strategies that you can use to build healthier relationships, develop a more resilient mindset, and gain the skills you need to co-parent with confidence and ease. If you're ready to get inspired, laugh a bit, and learn how to love your family exactly the way it is, this is the show for you! For more information and resources visit coparentingwithconfidence.com

  1. JAN 14

    You Always Have a Choice: Reclaiming Agency as a Co-Parenting Mom (Encore)

    In this encore episode, I'm talking about something that quietly shapes how we show up as moms every single day: choice. So often, I hear women say, "I had no choice," or "I had to," especially in co-parenting and high-conflict situations. But the truth is, we always have a choice — even when none of the options feel easy. I break down how our brains work under stress, why we default to reaction mode, and how learning to pause gives us access to real agency. I walk you through the three choices that are always available to us: accept, change, or leave — and what each of those actually looks like in real life. I also share practical tools to help you step out of autopilot, respond instead of react, and start showing up intentionally as the mom you want to be. This episode is about refusing to lie to ourselves, reclaiming responsibility for our lives, and building confidence through conscious choice. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "I have no choice" keeps you stuck The three choices always available to you How to respond instead of react in co-parenting Simple tools to create space and clarity If you're ready to step into your agency and parent with confidence, I'd love to support you. Reach out and let's talk. https://calendly.com/coachwithmikki/co-parent-breakthrough-call Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who might need a fresh perspective on co-parenting! For more information go to my website here: https://mikkigardner.com/podcast/ © 2021 - 2026 Mikki Gardner Coaching

    23 min
  2. 12/24/2025

    Creating Calm and Stability During Co-Parenting Holidays (Encore)

    The holidays after divorce can feel heavy, emotional, and overwhelming — and I know that personally. In this encore episode, I talk about how we can create more calm, stability, and intention during the holiday season, even when co-parenting feels challenging. I share why waiting until conflict shows up is often too late, and how choosing growth, compassion, and preparation before the holidays arrive can completely change how we experience them. I open up about my own grief around holiday expectations, how I've learned to hold sadness and gratitude at the same time, and why being intentional about how we want to feel matters more than being right. This conversation is about slowing down, getting specific, and deciding how we want to show up—for ourselves and for our children. When we take care of ourselves first, we have more patience, energy, and love to give. Takeaways: How to reduce reactivity during co-parenting holidays Why preparation matters more than perfection Holding grief and gratitude at the same time Modeling emotional maturity for your children If you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck in repeating patterns, I invite you to reach out for a clarity call. You don't have to navigate this alone. https://calendly.com/coachwithmikki/co-parent-breakthrough-call Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who might need a fresh perspective on co-parenting! For more information go to my website here: https://mikkigardner.com/podcast/ © 2021 - 2025 Mikki Gardner Coaching

    14 min
  3. 12/10/2025

    Stop People-Pleasing and Start Setting Loving Boundaries (Encore)

    In this encore episode, I'm diving into one of the most essential skills I've had to develop in my own co-parenting journey: setting boundaries. So many of us were raised to prioritize keeping the peace and making others comfortable, even at the expense of our own emotional wellbeing. Over time, that leads to resentment, burnout, and feeling like a doormat. Today, I talk about how I learned to recognize those patterns in myself and how boundaries became a loving, empowering tool rather than something harsh or defensive. I walk through the difference between internal and external boundaries, why avoiding conflict only makes things worse, and how boundaries actually help us stay present, authentic, and grounded in our lives. I also share real examples of what boundary-setting sounds like, why it feels uncomfortable at first, and how enforcing those boundaries creates greater emotional clarity and safety. By the end of this episode, you'll have practical starting points to recognize resentment, understand what it's trying to tell you, and take the first steps toward healthier communication and co-parenting. Takeaways: How people-pleasing leads to self-abandonment The difference between internal and external boundaries Examples of clear, loving boundaries you can use today Why boundaries reduce resentment and increase clarity If you're ready for more support, reach out for a clarity call. I'd love to help you create the boundaries you need to move forward with confidence. https://calendly.com/coachwithmikki/co-parent-breakthrough-call Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who might need a fresh perspective on co-parenting! For more information go to my website here: https://mikkigardner.com/podcast/ © 2021 - 2025 Mikki Gardner Coaching

    20 min
  4. 11/26/2025

    Moving Past Toxic Positivity and Into Real Confidence (Encore)

    In this encore episode, I'm diving into the real differences between positive thinking and toxic positivity, and why learning to embrace the full spectrum of emotions is essential for co-parenting with clarity, compassion, and confidence. So many of us have been told to "look on the bright side," "stay positive," or "just get over it," especially after divorce. But none of that helps us heal. In fact, it often makes the hard moments feel even heavier. I share how I approach positive alignment in my own life and with my clients—rooted not in denial or forced optimism, but in deep self-compassion, emotional awareness, and acceptance of the as-is. I talk about why negative emotions matter, how resisting them creates more suffering, and how allowing them actually restores our strength. You'll hear my personal reflections on grief, resilience, and the 50/50 nature of life, as well as three powerful tools to help you build a positive mindset without bypassing your real experiences. Takeaways: Why "just think positive" can actually create harm How accepting the as-is builds true confidence Why allowing negative feelings increases emotional strength Three tools to cultivate grounded, healthy positivity If this episode resonates, I'd love to hear from you. Reach out anytime and let me know what landed for you. You're not alone. And you don't have to figure it out on your own. If you're ready to build a foundation that can't be shaken—reach out. Let's talk. https://calendly.com/coachwithmikki/co-parent-breakthrough-call Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who might need a fresh perspective on co-parenting! For more information go to my website here: https://mikkigardner.com/podcast/ You can always email me at hello@mikkigardner.com. © 2021 - 2025 Mikki Gardner Coaching

    24 min
  5. 10/29/2025

    From Reaction to Regulation: Choosing How You Show Up

    In this episode, Mikki Gardner explores what it really means to change from the inside out. So often, we think transformation happens when something outside of us shifts — a partner, a job, a child's behavior — but lasting change always begins with self-regulation. Mikki breaks down the connection between our mind, body, and emotions, showing how awareness becomes the bridge to choice. You'll learn how to strengthen your self-regulation "muscle," recognize when you're operating from reactivity, and return to calm so you can lead yourself — and your relationships — with more clarity, confidence, and compassion. She also reminds us that this journey isn't meant to be walked alone. Community, mentorship, and consistent practice are what sustain growth and emotional intelligence over time. If you're navigating relationship conflict, parenting stress, or personal transition, this episode is your invitation to slow down, wake up, and start creating change from the inside out. Key Takeaways: True change begins with awareness — not reaction. Self-regulation gives you access to choice, clarity, and compassion. Your thoughts and emotions are your responsibility. Growth happens through consistent practice and supportive community. Regulation isn't perfection — it's returning to center, again and again. It's time to stop reacting and start creating lasting change from within. If this resonates… You're not alone. And you don't have to figure it out on your own. If you're ready to build a foundation that can't be shaken—reach out. Let's talk. https://calendly.com/coachwithmikki/co-parent-breakthrough-call Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who might need a fresh perspective on co-parenting! For more information go to my website here: https://mikkigardner.com/podcast/ You can always email me at hello@mikkigardner.com. © 2021 - 2025 Mikki Gardner Coaching

    18 min
  6. 10/15/2025

    From Stuck to Still: Reimagining Your Relationships from the Inside Out

    After a season of change and messy transitions, Mikki returns to the mic with a powerful new direction for the podcast. In this solo episode, she opens up about navigating her own life shifts and why thinking our way out of relationship struggles doesn't work. Mikki explores the three key paths we face when relationships feel stuck — repair, release, and re-imagine — and why true clarity comes from nervous system regulation, self-trust, and inner stillness. Whether you're questioning a marriage, navigating co-parenting dynamics, or simply ready to stop looping through the same patterns, this conversation will help you expand your perspective, reconnect with your inner wisdom, and take grounded steps forward. It's time to stop overanalyzing and start listening to the truth within. In this episode, Mikki shares: Life transitions are rarely neat or linear. Even when change is intentional, it can feel messy, emotional, and uncertain — and that's normal. True clarity begins with nervous system regulation. Stillness allows you to hear your own inner wisdom and make grounded decisions from within. There are three main pathways forward in stuck relationships: Repair — Rebuilding trust, boundaries, and emotional safety. Release — Grieving and letting go to create space for something new. Re-imagine — Evolving the relationship to match who you are today. Rigid "either/or" thinking keeps us stuck. Expanding your perspective opens new options you may not have seen before. Self-trust is a muscle. Hearing your inner nudges is one step — building the willingness and capacity to follow them is the real work. Our children should never carry adult emotional baggage. How we choose to navigate relationships directly impacts the legacy we leave for them. You always have a choice. Even if others aren't choosing well, you can decide how you want to show up — with clarity, integrity, and leadership. Bible verse from Psalm 46:10 (KJV): "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." If this resonates… You're not alone. And you don't have to figure it out on your own. If you're ready to build a foundation that can't be shaken—reach out. Let's talk. https://calendly.com/coachwithmikki/co-parent-breakthrough-call Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who might need a fresh perspective on co-parenting! For more information go to my website here: https://mikkigardner.com/podcast/ You can always email me at hello@mikkigardner.com. © 2021 - 2025 Mikki Gardner Coaching

    20 min
  7. 09/19/2025

    Breaking Free from Conflict with a Difficult Ex (Encore)

    Conflict after divorce is one of the hardest challenges to navigate—especially when you're co-parenting with a difficult ex. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to avoid conflict on the outside, only to create even more of it inside yourself. That's why in this episode of Co-Parenting with Confidence, I'm breaking down what conflict really is, the hidden patterns that keep us stuck, and the third option we often miss when we feel trapped between speaking up or staying silent. I share insights from Jason Gattis' book Getting to Zero along with my own journey of learning to self-regulate, set boundaries, and choose authentic responses instead of falling into people-pleasing or avoidance. By understanding your "relational blueprint" and recognizing your coping style, you can begin to transform conflict into an opportunity for growth—for yourself, and for your kids. Takeaways: Why conflict is normal—and not something to fear. Four common coping styles and how they show up. The "third choice" that stops self-betrayal. Practical ways to decide which conflicts are worth engaging in. If you're ready to stop feeling powerless and start showing up with confidence, reach out—I'd love to support you. https://calendly.com/coachwithmikki/co-parent-breakthrough-call Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who might need a fresh perspective on co-parenting! For more information go to my website here: https://mikkigardner.com/podcast/ © 2021 - 2025 Mikki Gardner Coaching

    31 min
5
out of 5
47 Ratings

About

Co-Parenting with Confidence is the podcast for courageous moms who want to move past the conflict and frustration of divorce so they can become a confident co-parent and an amazing example to their children. Join Mikki Gardner, Certified Life and Conscious Parenting Coach (as well as mom of 1 son and 2 bonus sons), as she shares actionable steps and proven strategies that you can use to build healthier relationships, develop a more resilient mindset, and gain the skills you need to co-parent with confidence and ease. If you're ready to get inspired, laugh a bit, and learn how to love your family exactly the way it is, this is the show for you! For more information and resources visit coparentingwithconfidence.com

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